33rd annual Creative Awards winners announced

A Photo Is Missing From This Entry

We're sorry, but a photo referenced with this link or accompanying this news item is no longer available, likely due to a change in the method used to display photos on the PJC Web site.

Student awards and scholarships were presented at the 33rd annual Creative Awards ceremonies held Wednesday at Paris Junior College. The awards were begun in 1976 to encourage and recognize student writing and later broadened to include art.

Program speaker was Dwight Chaney, dean of academics. Chaney reviewed the lives of William A. Owens and Rebecca Fitch. Owens was an area resident who attended Paris Junior College and went on to become a renowned writer and author. Fitch taught English and art classes at Paris Junior College. Both Owens and Fitch had a special way of inspiring their students.

“I am proud of the long tradition for promoting creativity at Paris Junior College that included Owens and Fitch and their colleagues,” said Chaney.

Highlighting the event was the presentation of the William A. Owens Scholarship for creative writing to Stephanie Norman of Paris. Norman, who currently serves as co-editor of The Bat, the student newspaper, also was named the Journalism Student of the Year.

Robin Wheat of Cumby received the Outstanding Student in English.

Justin Duane Hughes of Powderly was awarded the Outstanding Student in Foreign Language.

The Outstanding Student in English as a Second Language award was given to Jeanett Draeger Money of Sulphur Springs.

Mike Graxiola, publisher of The Paris News, presented The Paris News Journalism Scholarship to Marta Goerte of Telephone. Goerte serves as co-editor of The Bat.

The Best of Show Award for visual arts was won by Anita Donaldson of Paris, for “Digital Landscape.” The Outstanding Freshman Visual Arts Scholarship was presented to Josh Clark of Paris. Returning student Michael Saludares of Reno was given a special visual arts award.

Swingers of Birches, an anthology of the prize-winning entries published annually by the Communications and Fine Arts Divisions and produced by the PJC Print Shop, was distributed at the reception following the awards ceremony. To receive a copy, contact the English Department.

An exhibit of winning art works is on display in the lobby of the J.R. McLemore Student Center on the college campus through the end of April. An additional student art exhibit is in the foyer gallery of the Art Building located in annex #3. Viewing hours for both exhibits are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to noon.